The effects of children witnessing domestic violence can also cause severe emotional problems and developmental impairments that can have a tremendous impact in their lives. According to Thornton (2014), “children living with domestic violence is related to a significant negative effect on children’s functioning, with rates of psychopathology being up to four times higher among children who have lived with domestic violence than among children from non-violent homes” (p. 91). Domestic violence affects all of society not just the victims who endure the abuse. The consequences of domestic violence are serious and need to be addressed by our community’s in order to help families that are affected. The following research will explain what causes DV and affects to the victim and children of DV.
Causes of Domestic …show more content…
Children who live in homes where violence occurs are more likely to be homeless due to the women in the relationships being more vulnerable than the men in the relationships. Women, who try to find safety, tend to find places such as cars to sleep in, friends’ homes, women shelters and with family (Spinney, 2013, p. 399).
This then leads to children having an unstable environment and constant worry put on them. Most children in these situations are usually neglected due to the abuse occurring toward their parent. A child can then begin to act out on the same behaviors they may see in the home. Children who are exposed to violent outbursts are at a higher risk for mental and emotional problems than those children who do not live in a home of violence. This can lead to more severe situations such as anxiety, depression and suicide in older children (Spinney, 2013, p.